News Update

SF board votes to return Lowell High School to merit-based system

San Francisco’s Lowell High School will return to a merit-based admission system after a 4-3 vote by San Francisco’s school board Wednesday night.

Starting in 2023, freshmen will once again be admitted to the prestigious high school based on their grades and test scores, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. For the past two years, students have been admitted through a lottery system.

The school’s admission system has become a lightning rod in the discussion of equity in the district.

The board rejected Superintendent Vince Matthews’ recommendation that the lottery-based admission system remain in place for another year. He said reverting back to the previous system will face significant challenges when applications open in fall.


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